Beyond the Thank-You: Building Volunteer Recognition That Sustains Engagement
National Volunteer Week and Global Volunteer Month give us an important opportunity to celebrate volunteers and their power to tackle society’s challenges.
But celebration alone is not enough. Organizations that sustain volunteer engagement over time understand that recognition and appreciation are not extras layered on after service happens, but are embedded throughout the volunteer experience. When done authentically and intentionally, they strengthen volunteer engagement, deepen belonging and help scale impact.
Research reveals that recognition requires more than a one-time event or thank you. The National Council for Voluntary Organisations found that feeling recognized enough, a culture of respect and trust, and the sense that one belongs were the top three factors influencing satisfaction among volunteers. In Volunteer Canada’s 2013 Volunteer Recognition Study, 80% of volunteers stated they would like to be recognized or thanked by hearing how their work has made a difference. Close to 70% stated they would like to be recognized by being thanked in person on an ongoing, informal basis.
Both studies underscore the importance of recognition and appreciation in the volunteer experience.
Defining Volunteer Recognition and Appreciation
So, what is the difference? Appreciation is the ongoing practice of helping people feel seen, heard and valued. It affirms volunteers for who they are, not just what they do. A culture of appreciation is something that people feel. Recognition is the system that names contributions, connects them to impact and creates opportunities for belonging and growth. It is the structure and practices that reveal and sustain culture.
This expansive approach to volunteer recognition and appreciation does more than say “thank you” and “congrats!” It builds the conditions for people to stay connected, deepen their commitment and inspire others to serve.
At its best, recognition highlights what volunteers have done and—importantly—why it matters. Recognition tells volunteers that their work and the impact it had are seen and valued. Appreciation tells them they belong and their involvement matters to the team.
Telling the Volunteer Story
Storytelling is a powerful recognition tool that can be leveraged to help shine a light on the volunteers, their work and its impact. It’s one of the reasons Points of Light acknowledges a Daily Point of Light honoree, including its 8300th honoree, Gavin Reddy. Through EMPWR, Gavin is helping Native youth and families build healthier habits through culturally rooted cooking and nutrition education. That translates into dozens of families who now have access to fresh, free produce along with support for healthy habits.
The significance of recognizing volunteers like Gavin Reddy is not just a spotlight alone but the way recognition helps volunteers feel that their work and impact are truly seen.
At Points of Light, we know that meaningful volunteer recognition is rooted in authenticity and a clear connection to impact rather than formal banquets or public fanfare. We see how appreciation cultivates relationships and connection.
By fostering a culture of gratitude that consistently appreciates and recognizes volunteers, we strengthen their connection to our mission and community. What’s more, we increase the likelihood that they will continue to show up, stay engaged and grow with us.
Gertrude’s Garden: An Abandoned Lot Transformed to Vibrant Community Hub
In the heart of McComb, Mississippi, where an abandoned lot once stood, a vibrant community hub has taken root:
. This remarkable transformation illustrates the power of reclaiming neglected spaces and the profound impact that “third places” – spaces beyond home and work where people can connect – can have on community well-being.
Gertrude’s Garden is a testament to the vision and dedication of its founders. What was once an underutilized area is now a thriving space for art, community building and more. Their mission is to provide a safe and enriching environment for residents of all ages
The Garden has become a catalyst for positive change in the Burglund community. In 2023, they hosted their third annual Thanksgiving meal, serving over 200 residents at a warm and festive gathering. Additionally, an art installation named “Directions” now graces the space. This thought-provoking piece seeks to inspire the community’s youth.
Read on to hear more from Kevin Brown, Gertrude’s Garden’s community advocate.
What makes your organization an Impact Icon?
Image courtesy Gertrude’s Garden
Gertrude’s Garden is a re-imagined and re-purposed abandoned lot in the historic Burglund community in Mccomb, MS. The Garden is located betweeen Burglund Heights housing complex and a convenience store. Gertrude’s Garden program includes art, literacy, recreation and community building.
Tell us about a project or initiative you’re working on right now that’s making a big impact on your community.
For our third annual Thanksgiving meal, over 200 residents were served a hot meal. We have also just completed an art installation named “Directions” which depicts the distance to well-known cities and identifies Burglund as the starting point for the journey of any youth of the community.
Community Impacts
The impact of Gertrude’s Garden is tangible, touching various aspects of community life:
Public Safety: Enhanced lighting, a new crosswalk and traffic signs create a safer environment for everyone.
Recreation: A playground, basketball court and other amenities provide much-needed opportunities for play and physical activity.
Social Connection: Community gatherings like holiday meals and formal galas foster a sense of belonging and togetherness.
What role does volunteerism play in your organization’s overall mission and objectives?
Image courtesy Gertrude’s Garden
Volunteerism plays the central role. There is nothing that we can achieve without volunteersism. We are not a nonprofit organization. All of our support comes from small in-kind donors and sweat equity.
How are you recognizing and thanking volunteers for their contributions?
We have a quarterly award certificate program, and we are also a
“A small step in the right direction can create change.” –Glenda Jordan, Gertrude’s Garden
What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone who’s looking to get more involved in their community through civic engagement?
Don’t wait, act! Any service that you can provide is an asset to your community.
Are you a nonprofit leader who is innovating in the social impact space and wants to become an Impact Icon? Answer our questionnaire, and you could be featured here on our blog!
Spark the Change Colorado Ignites Action in Unhoused Communities
A critical issue facing Denver is the rise in homelessness. Recognizing the urgency, the City of Denver launched a citywide initiative to address this crisis with the goal of housing 1,000 unhoused individuals by the end of 2023.
, a Points of Light Global Network Affiliate dedicated to igniting change through the power of service and civic engagement, played a crucial role in mobilizing volunteers to support this effort.
Volunteers answered the City’s call, contributing their time and energy in various ways. Through their dedicated service, Denver’s goal of housing 1,000 individuals was not only met but surpassed. We spoke with Leanne Mersmann, manager of Volunteer Services at Spark the Change Colorado, to learn more.
Adrian, House1000 Mental Wellness Coordinator, shows a volunteer how to hand out hygiene kits. Caption and Photo Provided by Spark the Change Colorado.
Tell us about a project or initiative you’re working on that’s making a big impact on your community.
According to a 2023 Point in Time survey, 1,400 Denver residents were unsheltered and living outdoors without access to the basic housing and services we all need to thrive. This problem has expanded dramatically since 2019. The City of Denver decided to bring together a coordinated citywide response to the homelessness crisis affecting many Denverites.
The goal was to house 1,000 people experiencing homelessness and permanently close encampments by the end 2023. With the help of Spark the Change Colorado volunteers, we reached that goal! Volunteers moved luggage, made beds, cleaned hotel rooms, installed carbon monoxide detectors, made dog toys, put together hygiene kits and so much more throughout December 2023.
The results of this remarkable effort are truly inspiring:
1,034 individuals were moved indoors, with 98% remaining housed
270 unique volunteers participated, with 43 volunteering multiple times
708 hours of service were contributed
100% of volunteers felt appreciated and expressed willingness to volunteer again
“At Spark the Change Colorado, volunteerism has no age, no particular look, race, gender or background. All of our volunteers are the heroes that embody what it means to show up for community! This is why we love doing what we do at Spark! It’s so easy to find pride and joy in celebrating every volunteer who is sparking change with us across the state.” —Patrice Hawkins, CEO
Married couple Amanda and Brandon volunteered more than anyone else in the month of December 2023. They are taking residents’ bags off the bus and into their new tiny homes. Caption and photo provided by Spark the Change Colorado.
How are you recognizing and thanking volunteers for their contributions?
We had a volunteer appreciation party in January with a special video from all the housing directors and Mike Johnston, the mayor of Denver, saying thank you to our amazing volunteers. During Global Volunteer Month, we will be running a campaign to highlight our volunteers from across various program areas to thank them for their commitment and love of community. We plan to run a campaign where we take photos of people doing their volunteer service, and will call it, “Caught Caring…” We have many nonprofit partners we plan to ask to help highlight their volunteers as well. This would go along with a photo of volunteers holding a sign saying why they volunteer.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone who’s looking to get more involved in their community through civic engagement?
If you’re someone in Colorado, go to the Spark the Change Colorado website! We have a large database of nonprofits throughout the state that lists their needs and volunteer opportunities that anyone can read and sign up for.
Spark the Change Colorado Energizes and Equips Volunteers in Community Service
Nonprofit organizations can thrive on their own, but we are even stronger when we come together to share ideas, inspiration and methods that have been proven effective. The
seeks to bring nonprofits together, operating with more than 145 affiliates across 39 countries around the world. Together, we are inspiring, equipping and mobilizing more people to use their time, talent and resources to create positive change in their communities.
We spoke with Madison Taylor from
, a Points of Light affiliate operating statewide in Colorado. We discussed training and equipping volunteers, and tools that the organization uses to keep volunteers engaged.
Spark the Change Colorado exists to spark change and inspire a movement of good through the power of volunteerism, service and civic engagement. The organization envisions a world with stronger, more resilient, equitable and connected communities through the power of volunteerism. Its values are community, collaboration and courage.
Get an exclusive sneak peek into Spark the Change Colorado in action. Points of Light will be capturing the UPS Day of Service on our
How are you engaging with volunteers to inspire them to participate in community service activities?
At Spark, all of our work centers around volunteerism. We provide direct service programs— like our Mental Wellness, Senior and AmeriCorps Programs— that recruit, train and engage volunteers to solve community problems. We provide education and training courses for other nonprofit volunteer programs to create a stronger and more equitable volunteer environment across the state.
We also operate an online database platform that connects volunteers anywhere in Colorado with our nonprofit members who post hundreds of volunteer opportunities readily available for sign up. We are also beginning to integrate
in all that we do, recognizing that the community service industry is changing and that individuals, groups and companies are giving back every day in a variety of innovative and impactful ways— not just volunteering.
What resources or tools are you providing to volunteers to help them get involved in their community?
is a key resource for volunteers to find and engage with volunteer opportunities from, not just Spark, but a variety of nonprofits all across the state. We operate a monthly Volunteer Newsletter called “
” that is packed with different ways to volunteer and engage all year long.
Our direct service volunteer programs engage skilled volunteers directly, particularly seniors aged 55 and better, mental health professionals practicing in or entering the field, and individuals seeking board service opportunities. And our courses for education and training make it easier for participating nonprofits to engage volunteers in new and innovative ways.
What role does volunteerism play in your organization’s overall mission and objectives?
Our mission and objectives are 100% centered around and rooted in
. Everything we do comes back to volunteering! Our mission is to SPARK CHANGE and INSPIRE A MOVEMENT OF GOOD through the power of service, volunteerism and civic engagement. We have direct service volunteer programs, support other nonprofit volunteer programs and provide tools and resources for anyone— individuals, nonprofits or corporations— looking to lend a hand and make an impact.
Share one success story of a volunteer (or a group of volunteers) in your community who have made a significant impact.
I would love to mention our Mental Wellness Program volunteers and all the amazing work they do. Our Statewide Mental Wellness Program is fully volunteer driven. The way it works is that we engage fully licensed and insured therapists as volunteers, and they dedicate their time to see clients pro bono, completely free of cost to the client. One specific story is that of our volunteer, Sofia Webb, MSW, LSW, CTP, being named a
What are some future plans for your organization to continue promoting volunteerism and civic engagement?
We will always promote volunteerism and civic engagement in all that we do, but we are planning on increasing the use of The Civic Circle to frame engagement in a way that is easy and accessible to all. We love the framework of The Civic Circle and are finding so many new ways that each element applies to the services and programs we already provide, but also ways we can start integrating multiple elements to make our services and programs more well-rounded and impactful.
Can you share any tips or best practices for other organizations looking to recognize volunteers?
Center the storytelling! People love to hear about other people, seeing pictures of people that look like them and hearing stories from people that sound like them. We are always looking for exciting ways to tell our volunteers’ stories, but also just share about them as the amazing humans that they are!
What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone who’s looking to get more involved in their community through volunteerism?
! Why reinvent the wheel? We put so much time and effort into gathering resources, building programming and finding the best tools to make volunteering and engaging in your community easy! Sign up for our newsletters and visit our websites. If you start with “
operates with innovative volunteer-mobilizing organizations that serve more than 145 affiliates across 39 countries around the world. Together, we are inspiring, equipping and mobilizing more people to use their time, talent and resources to create positive change in their communities. We spoke with Edie Falk from
, a Points of Light affiliate in Buffalo, New York, to discuss volunteer retention.
The Service Collaborative of WNY seeks to give opportunities to people who choose to dedicate time in their lives to service. Using a hands-on approach, TSCWNY addresses needs of individuals and organizations, leveraging strengths to build stronger communities. The organization’s
is a shining example of a volunteer retention effort. Read more to learn about this effort and how TSCWNY engages its volunteers.
How is your organization engaging volunteers this year?
One of the programs that TSC runs is called Beds for Buffalo. This program engages participants from our other programs, alongside community volunteers and corporate teams, to make and distribute twin-sized beds and bedding to families surviving poverty. Some of our volunteers have repeatedly worked with the project for several years. We will be highlighting their wonderful commitment to this project and honoring them across social media, as well as getting them special treats.
How are you engaging with volunteers to inspire them to participate in community service activities?
We really try to show volunteers the impact that their work has in our community. Younger children lacking beds is a larger issue than anyone would expect, and physically helping to build the furniture itself is a really inspirational act.
What resources or tools are you providing to volunteers to help them get involved in their community?
To get our volunteers involved, we teach them about woodshop safety, show them how to use certain tools for their portion of the project, and guide them through the construction process!
What role does volunteerism play in your organization’s overall mission and objectives?
All of TSCWNY’s programs involve volunteering in some capacity. Whether it’s community volunteering with Beds for Buffalo or committing to a year of national service through one of our AmeriCorps programs, we’re really a volunteer-centric organization. Without all of our members and participants who sign up to volunteer, the work that we do simply could not happen.
Share one success story of a volunteer (or a group of volunteers) in your community who have made a significant impact.
Our Beds for Buffalo program has had a really dedicated group of volunteers from HSBC since the project’s inception in 2017. We have about four volunteers who have shown up time and time again to help build beds for children in our community who desperately need them and who have come to have a deep understanding of the issue. They’ve also done an amazing job of pushing the project to other corporate volunteers that they work with.
Can you share any tips or best practices for other organizations looking to recognize and retain volunteers?
Reflecting on all of the volunteers who have assisted in getting our projects off of the ground and to where they are now has been wonderful. If you already have a dedicated volunteer base, taking the time to plan ways to really highlight their commitment is a great place to start.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone who’s looking to get more involved in their community through volunteerism?
Reach out to local organizations that are doing things that you’re interested in and see what opportunities they might have for you. A lot of cities and towns also have volunteer boards that post opportunities regularly.
Around the World, People are Finding Connection in Service and Volunteerism
Sometimes — okay, often — stepping away from your desk and the Zoom box is the best way to find inspiration, in real life and unfiltered by media and algorithms. That has been my experience in the past month with a focus on the very specific ways that volunteerism, service and civic engagement unite us. They bring purpose and connection, both recently identified as important to our mental health and wellbeing by the U.S. Surgeon General.
In our deeply divided nation’s capital, at the end of April, Voices for National Service held their annual
honoring members of Congress from both parties for their support of national service programs. The “in real life” headline from that evening: members from both sides of the aisle complimenting the other and demonstrating respect and bipartisanship. For example, Representatives Tom Cole (R) and Gwen Moore (D) each spoke about their personal connections to national service and how it bridges the political divide when they are working on legislation to support AmeriCorps, both having experienced firsthand how critical national service is to the social fabric of the nation. Democratic Senator Chris Coons and Republican Senator Bill Cassidy agreed when they met with the Voices for National Service Steering Committee members.
In the United Kingdom, recognizing the value of service and volunteerism has become engrained into the culture and that was lifted up during the festivities celebrating the King’s Coronation. People throughout the U.K. were asked to have community lunches together and to serve together over the coronation weekend.
A small Points of Light delegation was invited to London for this celebration as part of a partnership with the U.K. Prime Minister’s office which began issuing a Point of Light Award daily in 2014. The Queen followed with a
weekly in 2018.
We joined roughly 100 others at 10 Downing St. for their “Big Lunch.” In addition to our delegation of U.S. Daily Point of Light honorees, UK and Commonwealth Point of Light honorees, and a group of Ukrainian refugees, we were joined by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his family, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and U.S. Ambassador to the UK Jane Hartley.
Sitting at this table was a very surreal “in real life” experience, to say the least. But it was remarkable to watch community leaders and volunteers connect across cultures and geographies as they shared stories about their service, their community and the causes they care about.
The U.S. Daily Point of Light honorees who joined us were
, a 19-year-old Bostonian who launched “Catching Joy,” a nonprofit that organizes hands-on service projects and promotes kindness for kids and teens.
Every one of these individual points of light is intentional in the ways they’re taking action – especially as young people. Their commitment to changing the world goes deeper than the occasional one-off volunteer activity. It is a lifestyle, and they’re less willing to compromise their commitment to the issues that matter to them. This attitude aligns with multiple bodies of research. One
found 77% of Gen Z said it was important to work at organizations whose values aligned with their own. Their increased focus on living a life in which service in civic engagement is at the core gives me great hope that their increased action leads to a more open and inclusive generation who can find common ground.
These global points of light showed us not only that service unites, but most importantly, that they have unlocked the benefits of purpose and connection through civic engagement. Experiencing – in real life – these moments of bipartisanship, collaboration, connection and celebration, while focusing on the work that unites us, provided a boost of inspiration and hope.
Transform Your Volunteer Appreciation: Become a Service Enterprise Organization
Often organizations that I have worked with and supported pre-COVID had a big volunteer appreciation event, but during the pandemic those events had to be put on pause, so organizations began to ask volunteers how they really wanted to be appreciated. Many said a simple and genuine thank you, to use their time well and to include them in the organization.
What better way to show volunteer appreciation than to invest in improving how your organization engages and supports them? During
, I encourage you to take a moment, pause and reflect on how your organization is engaging the skills, talents and time that volunteers are giving.
Do you have opportunities for volunteers to serve throughout your departments or service lines your organization offers?
Do you have volunteers and pro-bono services sprinkled throughout the organization chart?
Does your organization’s culture embrace volunteers as a key resource for realizing your mission?
If your organization’s culture doesn’t yet have answers to these questions, start by exploring how your organization can participate in Points of Light’s
(Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement).
In addition to giving your volunteers a token gift and/or celebratory event, you can showcase all of the work your organization was able to accomplish due to their contributions, assure them that you are investing their time and talents in the most impactful ways, and that the organization recognizes and appreciates all that volunteers bring to the organization. This transformation doesn’t happen overnight, but with the help of our Service Enterprise Program, you can begin to evolve the organization’s culture through this change management process that helps nonprofit organizations effectively and efficiently leverage the time and talent of volunteers to help deliver their social mission.
We realize that you may have a great
program, but to take it to the next level, to truly integrate volunteer engagement into the organization culture, you are going to need more. Service Enterprise helps your organization through this change management process.
First, we facilitate a self-assessment research-based diagnostic and offer a debrief that will help your organization recognize the strengths and areas of opportunity that currently exist. Together, we select a team that will carry the organization through the change management process and bring together leadership, volunteer engagement professionals and more. The team attends training and has dedicated time and activities to focus on better engaging and supporting volunteers (and often all human capital) at the organization.
You will also join a network of peers working toward operating as a Service Enterprise. This network often shares resources and helps each other along the journey. Your Service Enterprise Trainer will provide you with additional coaching and support to meet unique needs and address challenges within your organization.
Imagine, at your next volunteer appreciation event or in your April 2024 newsletter, you’ll be able to tell your volunteers that you not only appreciate the way that they continue to lean in and fight for your cause by sharing their time and talents, but your organization has achieved the national volunteer engagement accreditation of Service Enterprise. As a Service Enterprise certified organization, they’ll know that their time is well invested when they spend it advocating for your mission.
To learn more about Service Enterprise or how to connect with volunteer engagement professionals across the country contact Kayla Paulson at
2023, and continuing to celebrate individuals and organizations around the world affecting change and advocating for social good. We’ve been featuring a handful of
affiliates who are positively impacting their communities through volunteer recruitment, recognition and special events throughout April.
The Points of Light Global Network operates with a network of innovative volunteer-mobilizing organizations that serve more than 145 affiliates across 39 countries around the world. Together, we are inspiring, equipping and mobilizing more people to use their time, talent and resources to create positive change in their communities.
is a member of the Points of Light Global Network and is Los Angeles’ largest volunteer action center. The organization aims to unite Angelenos and inspire action for a more equitable Los Angeles.
We spoke with Samantha Wheeler, director of communications at L.A. Works, to talk about why volunteering matters and how the organization utilizes its resources to uplift volunteers and the overall mission.
How is your organization recognizing Global Volunteer Month this year?
L.A. Works has volunteers across many different categories and programs, and we intend to highlight them across social media this month. We have reels and posts planned to highlight corporate volunteers, volunteers who are over 55, FAVE volunteer families, climate action/disaster preparedness teams, VISTA members and general volunteers.
What resources or tools are you providing to volunteers to help them get involved in their community?
We utilize our website, social media, tabling events and canvassing to get people involved.
How are you recognizing and thanking volunteers for their contributions during Global Volunteer Month?
We are using a social media campaign to thank all of our volunteers – from corporate volunteers to family volunteers and all in between – for their service.
What role does volunteerism play in your organization’s overall mission and objectives?
Volunteering is the heart of what we do. Our purpose is to make sure that Angelenos work on local needs through hands-on service and feel empowered to address the most critical needs in Los Angeles.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone who’s looking to get more involved in their community through volunteerism?
Volunteering is a great way to follow your passion. We have so many volunteers come to us because there’s a specific area that they care about but maybe they don’t get to explore because of work obligations. Volunteering is an excellent way to engage in something you care about.
It’s also a great way to discover a new interest. We’ve also had volunteers who discovered they had an interest in something new nurtured by a few hours of service in a specific area, not to mention the benefits of volunteering: meeting new people, learning new things, lowering blood pressure to name a few.
The Power of Recognition in Civic Engagement: A Changemaker’s Perspective
I’ve been working to put an end to people experiencing homelessness since I was eight years old. I started Khloe Kares in 2015 as a way of working with people experiencing homelessness. We teach leadership workshops that build changemakers, and I take trips to Ghana where I install water pumps and bathroom facilities in schools that don’t have access to clean water. I never imagined I’d be able to make such a big impact, but after becoming Daily Point of Light Honoree #6663 and The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award 2019 Honoree, I understand the importance of recognition.
Being a George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award Honoree has opened doors for me as part of my recognition, I received a grant that supported my work in Ghana to help end their water crisis. At the award ceremony I had the opportunity to meet Chelsea Clinton, daughter of former U.S. President Bill Clinton and former U.S. Secretary of State and 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. That meeting led me to a one-on-one interview with Secretary Clinton. Recognition like this made me realize that civic engagement is about more than just how good it makes you feel. It’s about how it motivates you and positions you to do more.
I know I would not have been able to reach as many volunteers or people to further my cause without recognition. One of my first times being recognized was when I went on this show called The Real, a daytime talk show. This opportunity led to me getting awards, grants and so much more, but that’s not what made me fully successful. You don’t have to rely on recognition to be successful, but it will push you further and grow what your organization can do. With everything that nonprofits do, volunteer recognition may seem less important, but I promise you, it makes all the difference for your volunteers and your organization. I make sure I always recognize those who volunteer and support Khloe Kares because I feel it’s crucial to recognize those who help build and support the work we do.
Recognition is the puzzle piece that all changemakers need to make their projects thrive. To maximize your impact in your community, you need support, which comes from others. Whether it’s through a partner organization, family, friends or other willing volunteers, the most successful organizations understand the value of recognizing their most invested supporters. These connections can open so many doors which lead to new opportunities in life. It’s important to build relationships in order to continue the support.
Points of Light has done a lot of research on social impact. And they collaborate with corporate sponsors like UPS, Bank of America, KPMG, and Starbucks. These are all major partnerships that support people, nonprofits and companies. These partners collaborate and uplift their employee volunteers by nominating them for the Daily Point of Light Award and when they’re recognized they bring awareness and opportunity to their employee volunteer programs. The Daily Point of Light Award has been able to change people’s lives, just by recognizing all the ways they contribute and volunteer. For example, 83% of respondents say receiving the Daily Point of Light Award made them feel appreciated while 48% say receiving the Daily Point of Light Award elevated their issue or cause. And 27% report that the Daily Point of Light Award attracted volunteers to their organization.
You can start to see how recognition is so crucial to growing your impact. And it works right into the Points of Light Civic Circle®, a framework that helps people connect to opportunities and understand that doing good comes in many forms. By putting the elements together, you can grow your impact in your community. When you’re recognized in a sector like this one, when you are put on the front lines your impact will spread like a wildfire. Even though recognition comes and goes you are forever contacted, supported or just have an overall community that surrounds you. Plus, when all can see your work, you’re able to motivate and inspire others to want to become changemakers. Whenever I feel as if I need some inspiration, I look to those around me. And when we all work together with that same mindset, we really can change the world.
I make sure to connect and work with other organizations, because working together helps us grow and create friendships and relationships. Points of Light connects nonprofits, corporations and individuals so that we can address the world’s changing needs together. They provide calls to action that keep you wanting to work with your community. Recognition is one of the things that started Points of Light — it’s at the heart of their mission, and it’s one of the ways to motivate volunteers that is closest to my heart.
HandsOn NWNC Focuses on Volunteer Recognition During Global Volunteer Month
affiliates who are positively impacting their communities through volunteerism and other pathways to doing social good.
The Points of Light Global Network operates with a network of innovative volunteer-mobilizing organizations that serve more than 145 affiliates across 39 countries around the world. Together, we are inspiring, equipping and mobilizing more people to use their time, talent and resources to create positive change in their communities.
, a member of the Points of Light Global Network, mobilizes the people and organizations that inspire community change in Forsyth, Davidson, Davie, Stokes, Surry and Yadkin counties in North Carolina. HandsOn NWNC envisions a Northwest North Carolina where citizens and nonprofits are equipped and engaged in creating thriving, healthy communities.
We spoke with Amy Lytle, executive director at HandsOn NWNC, to get her thoughts on Global Volunteer Month and how the organization supports its volunteers to take action and increase social good. She shared why volunteer recognition and other ways of engaging volunteers is so important.
How is your organization recognizing Global Volunteer Month this year?
Our largest event of the year is the Forsyth County Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards, where we recognize the “best of the best” volunteers in our area at a 250 to 300 person breakfast that draws a wide variety of community leaders. This year, we’re holding the breakfast on May 2, but we profile all of our two dozen nominees in social media posts leading up the event.
How are you engaging with volunteers to inspire them to participate in community service activities?
, our online volunteer matching portal. And we publish a quarterly Volunteer Connection e-newsletter that highlights a variety of engagement opportunities. We also provide ongoing
What role does volunteerism play in your organization’s overall mission and objectives?
Volunteerism is at the heart of why we exist. We have an active and engaged board of directors. The Program and Marketing committee of our board also serves as the core of the selection committee for our GVSA awards as well as our competitive, stipended programs.
We constantly seek to engage new audiences in volunteerism, whether it be youth (we just recently laid down a Youth Engagement Coalition, but it had been very active during the pandemic) or corporate, or the more rural/ex-urban parts of our service area.
Share one success story of a volunteer (or a group of volunteers) in your community who have made a significant impact.
Lots of our “best” volunteer stories have been recognized as
, another outstanding volunteer, was the driver behind our Youth Engagement Coalition and served on our board for two years while she was in high school, and has changed local public transport policies to make relying on the bus easier for families who need it to buy groceries:
What are some future plans for your organization to continue promoting volunteerism and civic engagement beyond Global Volunteer Month?
We also promote volunteerism around our large, established MLK Day of Service Read-In event, and we’ve put together a Civic Circle presentation that we’ve done for our local Chamber’s HR roundtable as well as local conferences for a variety of audiences. We hope to continue to do similar presentations to civic and church groups in the future.
Can you share any tips or best practices for other organizations looking to recognize Global Volunteer Month?
Just do it! Try to tie your local, pre-existing efforts into GVM and the Civic Circle to widen your story and generate press coverage.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone who’s looking to get more involved in their community through volunteerism?
Give us a call, check out our website and think about the causes and issues you most care about. As the Indigo Girls said, “If I’ve got a care in the world, I’ve got a gift to give.”
